Through engaging activities such as script readings, improvisation techniques and theatrical performances, in Drama, we focus on developing not only acting skills but also gaining a deeper understanding of storytelling, empathy, and effective communication between our role onstage and our audience. Drama classes here at the College promote a supportive environment that encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, building confidence and resilience to have a fun and engaging experience. Additionally, the class promotes collaboration and companionship as students work together to bring characters and narratives to life. Beyond the spotlight, drama classes highlight valuable life skills and produce performances that involve conflicts, emotions, and the portrayal of human experiences through dialogue and action. Students develop meaning in their roles as dramatists, actors, and viewers. 

In the preliminary course, students needed to focus on improvisation, play-building and acting. This study of Drama enables the students to learn about the importance of elements of drama and for our first unit, the viewpoints of shape and time. Our first assessment task was to elevate our ability to use viewpoints and create dramatic meaning in our group performance and to record our process in our log books. 

With the options of the stimulus topics given to us, Group 1 chose Ticket No. 214 from the stimulus and created the idea and focus of identity. Everyone has a number that represents their identity…until someone loses their ticket. They journey all over the galaxy to find themselves a name and identity and leave it on a cliffhanger wondering where their home is and what is home? Group 1 accomplished an engaging, humourous and clear performance by using the viewpoints and elements of drama. Each student expressed their character and showcased the drama skills that were developed through this course. 

Group 2 created a performance from the stimulus topic of Vanishing Point and created the story of disharmony and metaphorical characters. Disharmony in the Muse world is now affecting the human world. When the sister of Love goes missing, can the Muses journey to restore peace? Group 2 created an interesting and fascinating performance highlighting the skills of each student and enhancing their characters. 

Overall Year 11 did a successful job with the first assessment task and highlighted the skills through the course rubric. 

The journey Year 10 Drama has undergone while exploring the topic of Documentary Drama has been truly memorable. We have studied a variety of Brechtian techniques, and how they can be utilised to increase the engagement of our audience. While investigating Documentary Drama, we have learnt that the purpose of this style of performance is to allow your audience to become aware of real issues in society, and reflect on these topics. Documentary drama has provided a space for Year 10 to research different issues of today, and ways they can be displayed creatively in a performative environment. The three groups of 10 Drama represented these issues: women’s vulnerability, the attitude towards mental health facilities and the negative side of social media. These three very different, but very important issues were researched throughout this term, and have been represented in a truly impactful way through engaging acting and performance elements. By using the elements of drama and different Brechtian techniques, Year 10 Drama have been able to show their audience the reality of these issues, and spark discussion over these topics through this didactic form of theatre.

Sta O and Ebony P - CAPA Students